Simon Taylor made his debut for Scotland against the USA in November 2000, and despite some frustrating absences through injury he has racked up 66 caps for his country.

A dynamic and committed back-rower, Taylor has represented Scotland at both the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups. Following the World Cup in 2003 Taylor missed a year of international rugby with a knee injury, returning to action for Scotland against Italy in the 2005 Six Nations.

Taylor was again laid low with injury during 2006, returning to action on the blindside in place of the injured Jason White against the Pacific Islanders at Murrayfield in November 2006. He maintained the position throughout the 2007 Six Nations before playing four of Scotland's five matches at the World Cup in France as they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage. Also in 2007 Taylor swapped Edinburgh for French Top 14 side Stade Francais.

In January 2009 he was included in the squad for the Six Nations, but later in the year declared himself unavailable for new Scotland coach Andy Robinson's first training camp.

The forward announced in March 2010 that he would be joining Guinness Premiership side Bath for the start of the new season.